SDSU SET TO OPEN PRESEASON PRACTICES

Photo by: Dave Eggen/Inertia

7/29/2022 1:43:00 PM | Women's Soccer

By: Andrew Pedersen

BROOKINGS, S.D. – The South Dakota State soccer team has been one of the most consistent programs across the Division I landscape and its ability to continue to have success starts in the early days of August. The Jackrabbits officially begin their 2022 schedule on Aug. 1 as the team reports to campus and begins its preseason practice slate ahead of their campaign on Tuesday.

"Preseason is the best time of the year for us coaches," SDSU head coach Brock Thompson said. "We're builders by nature and this is the start. Our team views each season as a journey. The first days of preseason is the first step and I think there will be excitement felt from our coaching staff and through our entire team."

The Jackrabbits have earned double-digit win totals in 13 of their last 14 seasons and 2021 was arguably its best yet. SDSU finished second in the Summit League regular season standings, but put things together at the conference tournament en route to its first Summit League title and ensuing NCAA Tournament berth since 2019.

The team will have to make up for the loss of two all-conference selections and six athletes that played significant minutes a season ago, however the preseason slate that includes two exhibition games, will provide opportunities for a new group to mesh.

"We're very much committed to focusing on our principles of play," SDSU head coach Brock Thompson said of his program's goals to begin the preseason. "We know that those are the foundational things that will sustain us later in the season. We probably start a little bit smaller and more specific on our principles that we abide by as a team compared to others.

"Our goal as a team each season is to be playing our best soccer in late October and November. But to do that, you've got to do the right things in August."

The cupboard left from a season that featured a single-season record of 17 wins is plenty stocked with talent.

Maya Hansen, Avery Murdzek, Rachel Preston and Jocelyn Tanner return to the Yellow and Blue after claiming All-Summit League accolades a season ago. Hansen ranks third at SDSU in career points (69) and goals (28), while she sits sixth in assists (13). Murdzek was the League's Newcomer of the Year as she recorded a freshman program record of seven assists. Preston played 1,835 minutes which is the sixth highest amount ever in a season by a Jackrabbit. Tanner was honored the conference's Goalkeeper of the Year as she went 13-4-1 between the posts and collected nine shutouts.

A variety of returners that played significant minutes last year will also be back on the pitch for SDSU. Cece Limongi had eight goals a season ago which was a top 15 mark ever. Laney Murdzek was an all-Newcomer Team selection by the Summit League. Others that competed annd saw substantial time on the pitch in 2021 that will be in the fray include Karlee Manding, Katherine Jones, Kayla Anderson, Reagan Anderson, Hayley Lindaman and Kaycee Manding.

Beyond the 2021 standouts, a contingent of Jacks that played in more than half of the team's matches last year include Abigail Kastens, Maureen Tolley, Emily Cameron, Hannah King and Mykena Turner. Hailee Fischer provides strong depth at goalkeeper for the Jacks as well having served as a starter during the spring 2021 campaign.

A total of 23 returners will play a valuable role with the addition of six newcomers over the next couple weeks as the Jackrabbits prepare for their season opener.

"Our team has always relied on older players teaching younger players," Thompson said. "That's been an incredible part of our culture. They do it because it's in the best interest of the team. We have a nice mix of returning players and newcomers that will add to the personality and ability of our team. It will be fun to see how it all develops through this fall."

The South Dakota State soccer team opens its preseason schedule on Aug. 2. The Jackrabbits will host a Blue vs. Yellow scrimmage at Fishback Soccer at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 5, in Brookings. SDSU will face Green Bay in a neutral-site exhibition on Aug. 10 in Blaine, Minn., followed by its second exhibition at Augustana on Aug. 13. The Jacks open their season on Aug. 18 in Tempe with a 9 p.m. CT matchup at Arizona State.